SoWal Stories

Enchanting "La Vie en Rouge" Fundraiser Returns to ECTC March 6

Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) invites the community to trade the Gulf breeze for a Parisian breeze this March. The professional theatre company recently announced the return of its annual fundraiser, "La Vie en Rouge," a night dedicated to French-inspired elegance and the continued growth of local arts education. Continue reading...

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Walton County Parks Launches New Real-Life Treasure Hunt With Geocahing Challenge

Adventure seekers in Walton County have a new reason to explore our local parks and trails. Walton County has officially launched its own Geocaching program, turning our scenic county parks into a massive, real-life treasure hunt. Whether you’re a seasoned "cacher" or just looking for a new family outdoor activity, the game offers a unique way to discover corners of the county you might normally overlook. Continue reading...

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Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant In Seaside Celebrates 40 Years On Scenic 30A

As the sun touched the horizon on the Gulf of Mexico on a recent evening in Seaside, a familiar sound echoed from the rooftop deck—but this time, the bell wasn't just signaling the sunset. It was a toast to 40 years of "Good Food, Good People, and Good Times." To celebrate four decades as the heart of Scenic Highway 30A, the entire staff of Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant gathered on the rooftop for a celebratory toast, honoring a legacy that began with two friends and a dream. Continue reading...

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Let The Good Times Roll: February Events At The Village Of Baytowne Wharf

February at the Village of Baytowne Wharf is a whirlwind of celebration, from the final glides on the ice to the spicy kick of a Gulf Coast winter tradition. Whether you’re looking to "let the good times roll" for Mardi Gras or sample the best roux in the South, the village calendar is packed with reasons to get out and enjoy the crisp coastal air. Mardi Gras Magic Continue reading...

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Fore Her Pink Run Returns to Baytowne Wharf Jan 31

The Village of Baytowne Wharf is about to get a vibrant splash of pink. On Saturday, Jan. 31, at 8:30 a.m., the community will gather for the annual Pink Run 5K and Walk, a signature event presented by Emerald Coast Hospice to benefit Fore Her. Continue reading...

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2026 Jubilee At The Point Washington Medical Clinic Jan 24

An extraordinary evening of compassion and community is coming to the Emerald Coast. On Saturday, Jan. 24, at 6:00 p.m., the 2nd Annual Anniversary Jubilee at The Point Washington Medical Clinic (PWMC) will bring together supporters for what has become the most anticipated culinary celebration of the year. Continue reading...

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Pedal Through Paradise: A Local’s Guide to the Scenic 30A Bike Trail

There is no better way to get up close and personal with South Walton's beauty and charm than to pedal along our paved 18.5-mile bike path. Officially known as the Timpoochee Trail—named after an influential Euchee Indian Chief—it winds past rare coastal dune lakes, through world-class state parks, and across several iconic beach towns. Whether you’re looking for a family activity or a scenic workout, the trail offers a safe, wide, and relatively flat route that stretches from the west end of Santa Rosa Beach to the east end of Inlet Beach. Continue reading...

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Hotel Effie Sandestin: A Destination Designed For Leadership, Vision, And Meaningful Momentum

The days of stuffy, windowless boardrooms are fading into the past, replaced by the coastal elegance and bright, open spaces of Hotel Effie in Miramar Beach. Continue reading...

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Sinfonia Gulf Coast Presents Toast ’N Jam: Sincerely, Sondheim With Nicholas Rodriguez Feb 15

Valentine's Day weekend in South Walton just got a little more soulful. Broadway favorite Nicholas Rodriguez is returning to the coast for Toast ’n Jam: Sincerely, Sondheim, a special performance that celebrates the life and genius of the late Stephen Sondheim. Continue reading...

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8th Annual Hard Hats & High Heels At Hilton Sandestin Beach Feb 13

There is a special kind of magic that happens when a community trades its beach flip-flops for work boots and high heels, all in the name of a good cause. This February, women from across the Emerald Coast will gather to celebrate strength, resilience, and the power of a helping hand at a luncheon that does far more than just fill a plate—it builds a future. Continue reading...

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SoWal Comedy Festival At Multiple Venues Feb 12-14

SoWal Comedy Fest returns Thursday, February 12 through Saturday, February 14, 2026, bringing three days of sharp, big-city stand-up to South Walton over Valentine’s weekend with more than a dozen performers — an ideal date-weekend escape built around intimate rooms, capped attendance, and unforgettable nights out. After two straight years of sold-out crowds and sellout nights across the festival, early ticket purchase is strongly encouraged. Continue reading...

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Crescendo! 2026 Featuring Pink Martini Live With Sinfonia Gulf Coast Orchestra Jan 23, Feb 27 & Mar 1

Sinfonia Gulf Coast, the vanguard of Northwest Florida’s performing arts scene, announces an extraordinary highlight for its annual fundraiser, Crescendo! 2026: A Cultural & Culinary Extravaganza — an unforgettable live performance by internationally celebrated Pink Martini, accompanied by the full Sinfonia Gulf Coast orchestra. Mark your calendars for Crescendo! 2026 set for January 23, February 27 and March 1, 2026. Continue reading...

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30A Songwriters Festival: Ocean Reef Resorts Lodging Special & Venue Guide

The editorial team at Ocean Reef Vacation Rentals & Real Estate have put together a GRAYT venue guide with map to the 30A Songwriters Festival! The 30A Songwriters Festival isn’t just a weekend of great music—it’s a moving target. Dozens of venues. Miles of coastline. Multiple vibes unfolding at the same time. Knowing where to be is just as important as knowing who you want to hear. Continue reading...

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37th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival Feb 20-21

The air in the Village of Baytowne Wharf changes every February. It isn’t just the crisp winter breeze coming off the bay, it’s the heavy, savory scent of dark roux and slow-simmered spices drifting through the streets. If you follow your nose toward the center of the Village, you’ll find the 37th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival in full swing. Continue reading...

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Freeport Florida: The South Walton Town's Future Is Now

If you live anywhere in South Walton, or drive Hwy 331 north of the bay, you're hearing the buzz and seeing the progress in Freeport. As commercial and residential land in SoWal gets gobbled up, Freeport has become more popular with open spaces and lower prices. New subdivisions, apartments, restaurants, parks, schools & churches have made Freeport among the fastest growing cities in the country. Progress is in the air with more and more families are moving to Freeport, Florida. Continue reading...

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Walk For A Cause At 6th Annual Hops For Hounds Jan 18

If your four-legged best friend resolved to spend more time outdoors this year, we have the perfect way to help them keep it. On Sunday, January 18, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Dog-Harmony hosts its Sixth Annual Hops for Hounds. It’s a chance to grab the leash, get some fresh air, and support a cause that keeps our local pet community thriving. Continue reading...

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Hitting The Fnish Line For Seaside Race Weekend Feb 12-15

The familiar sound of sneakers hitting the pavement and the collective energy of thousands of runners will soon return to the sugar-white sands of South Walton. From February 12–15, 2026, the community gathers for the 24th annual Seaside School Half Marathon + 5K, an event that has evolved far beyond a simple race into a four-day celebration of education and coastal life. Continue reading...

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Camellia Festival at Eden Gardens State Park Feb 7

Please join us for the annual Camellia Festival at Eden Gardens State Park on Saturday, Feb 7th from 10am to 2pm. Continue reading...

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Night Of Hope Concert Jan 30 Benefiting Caring & Sharing of South Walton

Tickets are now on sale for a special benefit concert featuring Legacy Five, the Dove Award–winning Southern Gospel group, performing Friday, January 30 at 7:00 PM at Good News Church. The event is brought to the community by The Crawford Family, with 100% of event proceeds benefiting Caring & Sharing of South Walton. Continue reading...

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17th Annual Swamp Writer Music Festival Jan 16-18 At Stinky's

It's another exciting lineup and fantastic weekend of music and reverie at Stinky's Bait Shack and Stinky's Fish Camp in Santa Rosa Beach! Continue reading...

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Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents “Murder On The Orient Express” Jan 15 - Feb 1

Mystery, intrigue, and suspense take center stage as Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) presents Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s novel, Murder on the Orient Express, running January 15 through February 1 at its theatre at Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach. Continue reading...

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Sinfonia Gulf Coast Presents "Simply the Best: The Music of Tina Turner" Jan 8

Sinfonia Gulf Coast continues the celebration of its 20th anniversary season with Simply the Best: The Music of Tina Turner, a powerhouse tribute concert performed live with the Sinfonia Gulf Coast orchestra. This high-energy main event takes the stage Thursday, Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Destin–Fort Walton Beach Convention Center. Continue reading...

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South Walton Fire District Polar Bear Plunge January 1, 2026

Rinse off the old and welcome the new! South Walton Fire District will hold its Annual Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day at Ed Walline Public Beach Access. In-person sign-up starts at 11AM at Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar on January 1, 2026, which will be followed by a costume contest at 12PM, and the Plunge itself at 1PM. Continue reading...

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Watch: In The Kitchen With Jim Shirley

Step into the kitchen with Chef Jim Shirley, founder of many South Walton favorites such as Great Southern Café, Farm & Fire, The Bay, North Beach Social and The Meltdown on 30A! Shirley’s unique take on modern Southern cuisine was inspired by learning international cooking from his two classic Southern grandmothers. Watch and learn more about how his vision for his restaurants is to create a shared experience that aligns with the overall sense of interconnectedness in these local beach neighborhoods. Continue reading...

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Emerald Coast Theatre Company presents "Annie" Through Dec 21

Leapin’ lizards! Join your favorite red headed orphan Annie, Daddy Warbucks, and the eternally grumpy Miss Hannigan for this feel good story of finding your forever home. With hits like “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” “It’s a Hard Knock Life,” and “Tomorrow,” you will experience the magic of the holidays and the spirit of generosity that always comes this time of year. Continue reading...

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